







'&mB 




<_ ««-c<^^^ 



IX^^ C-:- ^ 



5 5 ;P t 









^1^ 



^ 

t. ^i 



4r't 



K if 



. .see. < • «, 






^i fi &, -r 









LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Cliap.%^Copyriglit No. 



Slielf-II.^-3 ■'' -^^ 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 






4^ 















(C3t C 



<"<: ^ .fiCC V 



^^^ 









-^ c c < <: <- 

<<J ■<^. <i:<'Q 



• m 















arc*: 
cc< c 



«: c 



If 






^ 



< <c <; 





















^^^ ' T. tic" r 


















«: c *< 















9im 






■^ <x < .■ 



#1 



Pf- '■■■■■-<< f <<«t ,- 






' C C c 













^ cc . 






- y CSC < u' 


















c 









^•^.^ S' V«^ « 



re < 







V5 



riw S<^ ;t^ 




New Decorative Cactus Dahlia. 
Clifford W. Bruton. 



THE DAHLIA 



A PRACTICAL TREATISE 

ON 

ITS HABITS, CHARACTERISTICS, CULTIVATION AND 

HISTORY 



BY 



LAWRENCE K. PEACOCK, 



SECRETARY OF AMERICAN DAHLIA SOCIETY. 



BEAUTIEULLY ILLUSTRATED. 



PUBLISHED BY 

W. p. PEACOCK, 

ATCO. N. J. 



Entered according:: to Act of Congress, in the year 1S96, by 

\V. P. PEACOCK, 
In the Office of the Librarian of C"onu;ress at Washington. 



Dl.'NI.AF I'KlNllNc; Co., 
1306-.S-10 Filbert Street, 

Pnil.ADEI.PHIA. 



GOHTSHTS 

CHAHIKK I'At.K 

iN'l RODUC TION 5 

I. The Dahlia 7 

II. Classification 12 

III. Pkoi'Acatiox 17 

IV'. Position", Soil and Manlkes 20 

\'. Garden Cultivation 22 

VI. New X'akiictiics 29 

VII. Dahlias for Special l'URi'Osr:s 32 

VIII. Dahlia Exhiihtions 36 

IX. CoNCLUDiN(; Remarks 39 

X. American Dahlia Socn:r\ 42 

XI. Select List of X'arieties 4S 



l'A(.K 



ILLUSTKATIOKS 

Frontispiece — Decoiati\e, Cactus Dahlia, "Cliftord W. Bruton." 

New Dwarf Fancy Dahlia " Rev. C. W. Bolton" 9 

Bouquet of new Pompon Dahlias 14 

Comparative sizes of roots and plants 23 

Field scene of Xymphaea Dahlias 26 

' -iw Show 1 )ahlia, " Miss May Lomas " 30 

New Beddin;4 Dahlia, "Psyche" 33 

New Decorative Cactus Dahlia. "Clifford \V. Bruton" },j 

Field scene. Early flowering Semi Dwarf 40 

Types of Decorative Cactus Dahlias 47 

Types of Show and Fancy Dahlias 52 



INTRODUCTION. 




!^ HE progress made in floriculture in America during- rtcent 
./it^^'-^lyl 4 years is almost past comprehension. Great floral establish- 
h^^^tf^-^ ments, aggregating hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of 
' ~^~\^^'^'''i'^. glass have been reared with marvelous rapidity. Hundreds 
^^%^? ' '^^ of thousands of acres are annually devoted exclusively to the 
cultivation of flowers. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of hor- 
ticultural clubs and societies have been formed for the purpose of holding 
exhibitions and further developing floriculture, with most gratifying results. 
Everywhere greater attention is given, not only, to the flower garden, but 
the floral decoration of the lawn. Nor does this interest stop with the 
autumn frosts and wintry blasts. Flowers are .so greatly appreciated 
that conservatories are erected and window gardens are prepared, that 
blooming plants may always be near to gladden the heavy heart and revive 
the drooping spirit, when troubles come or cares oppress. They are rapidly 
becoming such a necessary luxury that many cannot and will not be content 
without them. They are, indeed, the joy alike of the rich and the poor, the 
old and the young ; in success or in adversity they are ever our friends, 
gratefully repaying our small attentions with their profusion of bloom. 

At the beginning of each year we dream of delightful grounds and beau- 
tiful flowers — flowers for all purposes — flowers so beautiful that our homes 
promise to be, indeed, a paradise of surpassing loveliness. Our dreams are 
more than realized during May and June, when we find roses, flowering 
shrubs, and bulbs in endless variety, to sa}^ nothing of other flowers, blooming 
everywhere in the greatest profusion. But our dreams do not last. June 
and our flowers, at least most of them, bid us adieu. It is now that we need 
a first-cla.ss flower that will fill our empty vases, beautif\' our lawns ; in fact, 
a flower that will completely fill the space between roses and chrysanthemums, 
when other good flowers are not plentiful. Flower after flower has been tried 
until at last it became evident that the " Dahlia" was the only flower having 



6 THE DAHLIA. 

the proper qualifications. As soon as this fact was reahzed, interest was at 
once aroused ; skilled specialists began producing exquisite varieties, and the 
Dahlia entered on a new era of popularity. 

Not only have the older forms and classes been improved, but new types 
have been produced for special purposes. The most important of these new 
types are the Cactus and Decorative varieties, which, with their exquisite forms, 
.superb colors, beautifully blended shades and tints, have only to be seen to 
become favorites with all. Dahlias are of the easiest culture, yet there are 
drawbacks to their successful cultivation by the amateur. Many devote con- 
siderable time and expense to their culture, and fail to get the best results, 
.simph' because their well meant intentions were not beneficial, to say the 
lea.st. The Dahlia can be grown to perfection in every garden with but little 
care and expense, if attention is given to its simple requirements. 

There are, however, no American works on the subject from which the 
amateur can .secure needed information, while foreign works are of little 
value, owing to the difference in soil and climatic conditions. It is to .supply 
this long felt want and to enable every one to grow lovely Dahlias, even under 
adver.se conditions, that the writer presents this small treatise to the American 
public. 

In the following chapters can be found, in a clear and concise form, such 
information as has been gleaned from years of practical experience. Partic- 
ular stress has been laid on several facts, especially upon the necessity of 
frequent .stirring of the .surface .soil to prevent excessive evaporation of 
moisture. INIau}^ think the only necessit}- of cultivation is to keep down the 
weeds ; but, positively, weeds do little more harm than hard baked surface soil. 
The illustrations herein given .speak volumes for them.selves on this subject ; 
they are all reproduced from photographs taken right out in a ten acre field, 
Sept. 28, 1895, after a continuous drouth of nine weeks, and are intended 
to show that Dahlias can be grown .successfully, even under adverse condi- 
tions, rather than 7i'/iaf can be grown, all things favorable. It is the aim ot 
the writer to make the path to successful Dahlia culture .so pleasant and easy 
that all may wish to travel it, knowing full well that once they are planted 
the plea.sure derived will be so great that they will ever after be cultivated 
and highly prized. Neither labor nor expense has l)een spared in making 
this little treatise attractive, useful, and true to nature, that it may receive a 
cordial welcome in ever>- flower-loving home. 



THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE DAHLIA. 




HE Dahlia ( Dahlia Variabilis of LiniKeus) is a tender tuberous 
rooted perennial ; a native of Mexico, and was first discovered 
by Baron Humboldt in 17S9. It was sent l^y him to Prof. 
Cavenilles, of the Botanical Gardens, Madrid, who named it 
Dahlia, in honor of the celebrated Swedish botanist, Prof. 
Andrew Dahl. It was introduced into England in the same 
3-ear ( 17S9 ) by the Marchioness of Bute, who secured a plant 
from Prof. Cavenilles. Although this plant was grown under glass and re- 
ceived the greatest care, the stock was finally lost and it was reintroduced into 
England b}^ Eady Holland in 1804. In France, Spain and Germany the 
Dahlia also received great attention, and to this day is still prized as one of 
their finest summer and autunui blooming plants. Although other species were 
found and introduced from Mexico, yet it is remarkable that they should not 
hybridize and, except D. Coaitica. Cav., were not generally grown. Both 
D. I ^triabiliis and D. Coccinca broke into numerous colors and became gene- 
ral favorites with the botanists and gardeners, who raised many new varie- 
ties fi-om selected seed. A great impetus was given Dahlia culture in 18 14, 
with the introduction of the first double variety. From this varietj^ and 
several others that quickly followed, nearly all our present named varieties 
were produced. 

Though the Dahlia was found so close to the United States, as is usually 
the case, it was not introduced directly from Mexico, but wasshortl}' afterward 
introduced from England in the form of several improved varieties. In 
America, as in Europe, the Dahlia soon became a great favorite and was 
universally grown. 

There is one peculiarity that must not be overlooked ; during thirty to 
forts' years of constant improvement the one aim was to produce perfectly 
double, regular, ball-shaped flowers ; the nearer a perfect ball they were the 
more highl3^ they were prized. This type had by 1840 reached almost per- 
fection, and was the only type considered worth growing. At this time, and 
for many years afterward, the Dahlia was the favorite garden plant with 
amateurs, gardeners and florists. 

But as the demand .seemed to be assured, the seedsmen and florists con- 
tinued to grow mainly the single and show or ball-shaped varieties, and when 



THE DAHLIA. 



they had reached what they thought was perfection in those types, ceased to 
strive after new varieties and forms, but continued to grow and offer the 
same varieties from year to year. This was followed by a decline in the 
demand for roots, as some had become tired of the stiff form of the old varie- 
ties, and others having a complete collection of what was offered, began to 
look to other flowers for something new. Under these conditions, which 
were brought about by the florists themselves, the Dahlia received less and 
less attention as the years went by. In fact, this neglect went so far that at 
last it was almost impossible to secure good varieties true to name. To 
illustrate, I will give a few instances out of the many that has been brought 
to mv attention. In one instance three growers offered the same variety 
under three different names, while in another case one variety was 
sent out under nineteen different names by the same concern. I, myself, 
a few years ago, bought five large collections from as many different firms 
and in some cases had several varieties under the same name, and in others 
had the same variety under several different names, while many varieties 
were entirely worthless. Of course we must be charitable enough to believe 
it was carelessness only, yet such neglect is almost criminal when we consider 
its evil results. 

Fortunately, however, during this time the Dahlia was undergoing a 
complete transformation in Europe, especially in Paigland, where new types 
and forms were being produced to conform to the pre\'alent demand for loose, 
gracefial flowers. The term "loose" is not used to denote semi-double or 
open center flowers, but to distinguish them from the solid compact form of 
the old varieties. vSome of these new Cactus and Decorative varieties are 
marvels of superb beauty, not onh- in form, but in their beautiful shades, 
tints and exquisite finish. 

As .soon as some of these finer varieties were introduced, interest was at 
once revived, and as a result we now have .specialists wdio equal, at least, 
the foreign growers in the production of superior varieties. But owing to 
the decadence of the Dahlia trade, through multiplicity of names and in- 
feriority of varieties, it soon became evident to these specialists that they 
must work together, shoulder to shoulder, if they wished to thoroughly 
popularize the Dahlia. At the suggestion of several amateur admirers of 
the Dahlia, one of these speciali-sts undertook the formation of a national 
.society, and the " American Dahlia Society," which is fully described in a 
.succeeding chapter, w^as the gratifying result. 

That the proper course was taken is conclusively proven from the fact 
that in the past three years the demand has increased fully twenty-five per 
cent, each year, and that the demand was mainly for new and distinct varie- 
ties ; while the .seedsmen and florists are at last awakened to the necessity of 
offering only the best varieties true to name. Dahlias now form part of the 




Nkw DwAKi- Fancy Dahlia.— Rev. C. \V. Bolton. 

I'laiUed Iiine 26tli. I'liotDi-^raphed Sept 2Sth, 1895, after nine weeks continuous droutli. 

Sint^le stem brandling system. 



lO THE DAHLIA, 

florists stock of cut flowers during their season, and thousands of blooms are 
used daily for bouquets, designs and decorations, many times at a higher 
price than paid for roses. 

There is really no other flower that will give so much pleasure for so 
little care and expense. It combines more good qualities than any other 
flower grown in the open garden, where it can be had in perfection from 
June until cut down b}- frost. The plant is a strong, robust grower and such 
a gross feeder that it will grow in anj- kind of soil if given proper nutriment. 
To illustrate how readily they will grow and bloom, where large clumps are 
used, I will give an experience we had a few years ago. 

After planting our Dahlias and while cleaning up the cellar, I came 
across some very large clumps that had been set aside ; finding that they 
were mixed roots, and having planted all we wished, I ordered them to be 
thrown on the waste pile, which was to be hauled away to help fill up a large 
washout. I had intended to have this washout filled up at once, but we were 
all busy and it went on until July, when, happening along one day, I saw^ 
several beautiful blooms of the Dahlia ' ' Mrs. Dexter. ' ' To say I was sur- 
prised is putting it mildly. Several loads of all kinds of rubbish had been 
dumped right down on the hard, 5^ellow^ subsoil bottom, and growing here 
without an}' attention the plants were strong and vigorous, while the flowers 
were as fine as I ever saw. It had been a wet season and as the shoots from 
the large clumps were .so strong the}'^ came through nearly two feet of trash, 
growing luxuriantly. 

While in the Dahlia can be found, not only every color, except blue, and 
every intermediate shade and tint, from the softest to the richest, but the most 
beautiful combinations of colors and marvelous blendings of shades and tints ; 
yet it is this ea.se of culture, combined with its varied habits and adaptability 
to conditions, that makes the plant most valuable and popular. The new 
Tom Thumb varieties, both double and single, grow but twelve to eighteen 
inches high, while Imperials and Arborea grow from twelve to fifteen feet 
high. Between these two extremes are the dwarf, the .semi-dwarf and 
the standard or tall varieties. The gardener can thus select varieties 
of any height or habit desired for any special purpose, such as bedding, 
massing or banking, for borders of any height, or for specimen plants for 
the lawn. 

As a cut flower, whether for bouquets, decorations, or exhibition pur- 
poses, the Dahlia is unsurpas.sed owing to the great diversity of form and 
the brilliant lustre of the colors. In size they vary from the smallest of the 
Pompon, growing but one-half inch across, to the largest of the Show and 
Cactus varieties. vSpecimen blooms of the largest of these latter varieties 
have been grown seven to nine inches in diameter, on stems three feet long. 
Such is the history- and a few of the main characteristics of a plant that has 



THE DAHLIA. If 

Ijeen grown and iniprovtd for more than a ccntnry, and is, t()-da\-, wherever 
the finer varieties are known, the most poinilar sunnner and antnmn bloomiiii;- 
plant in cultivation. 

Possibl}- no other plant .shows tlie skill of the flori.st to such a marked 
degree ; and, taking the wonderful improvements of the last few years as a 
criterion, \ve may well a.sk how far the .specialist can carry his skill. Unlike 
many other plants, its vigor seems to keep apace with its other improvements ; 
and, as we consider the.se things, we must admit that the possibilities of the 
Dahlia in the future are almo.st limitless. If you admire beautiful flowers 
and want them in profusion from June until frost, plant Dahlias and you will 
be delighted. No matter how many other plants may fail to thri\-e, or 
whether the season is wet or dry, you can grow them successfully if you Init 
heed their .simple requirements. 



'I'lIK DAHLIA. 




CHAPTER II. 

CLASSIFICATION. 

T is doubtful if two persons would classify Dahlias exactly alike. 
Some would make .so many sections as to be confu.sing, while 
others would fail to give a sufficient number to demonstrate 
marked distinctions. As the latter is the les.ser evil of the two 
I .shall, if I err at all, err on that side. Many, speaking on 
the subject, critici.se the forming of so many classes in any 
flower as confusing to the amateur, and perhaps, to a certain 
extend, they are right ; but it is more confu.sing to offer five yellow^ Dahlias, 
in one section, than it is to offer the same number in five different sections. 
Amateurs w^ould not want to buy two or more varieties that are exactly alike, 
or even .similar, and in the former case would hesitate, not knowing which 
to .select, ])Ut when offered in distinct sections they would know at once 
which the}- wanted from the characteristics of the section to which it 
belonged . 

Dahlias are divided into two parts or general divisions, double and single, 
while each of these divisions are again divided into .sections, according to 
habit of plant and type of flower. 

Part I. Double Dahlias. — Double Dahlias are divided into the following 
classes, or, more properly speaking, .sections : — Cactus, Decorative, Show, 
Fancy, Pompon or Bouquet, Dwarf and Double Tom Thumb. These sec- 
tions are again sub-divided by some, but the practice is to be deprecated as 
it onl}' leads to confusion ; and instead of making more classes or .sections, 
an}- distinctive features should be placed in the description of the individual 
variety. 

Cactus Dahlias. — This .section is of recent introduction and is among the 
most useful and beautiful of the entire family. Juarezzi was the first Cactus 
Dahlia, and is .still cpiite popular, though it would not now be considered an 
ideal type. The flowers are very large, flat and of the mo.st exqui.site finish, 
being soft, delicate and graceful. The colors of this class are the mo.st 
exquisitely delicate and refined, while the blendings of shades and tints are 
surpassingly lovely. The flowers are perfectly double, loosely arranged, 
irregular in outline, and are borne on good stems, well supplied with buds 
.and foliage. The plants are mostly strong growers and are very profuse 
bloomers. 



THE DAHIJA. 13 

ntcorative Dahlias. — This group is similar to the preceding in haljit but 
are of stronger growth and are more profuse bloomers. They are generally 
sold as Cactus Dahlias but are entirely distinct. In form the}- are about half- 
way' between the Show and Cactus varieties, being sometimes called Semi- 
Cactus. The flowers have the same excpiisite colors and superlj finish of the 
cactus varieties : are of largest size, beautiful form, and are borne on long 
.stems supplied with buds and foliage. The petals are long, broad, beautiful 
and regular, though they vary in form in different varieties. This class, as 
the name would .suggest, is the best for general decorations. 

Sliotc Dah/ias. — These are a branch of the old ball-shaped type, and are 
very highly prized by all who wish to make a beautiful show in mass. They 
are verv large, of beautiful compact form, and are double to the centre, in 
man}- ca.ses the outer petals reflex to the stem, forming a perfect l)all. This 
is the oldest form of the double Dahlia, and is better known and more uni- 
versally grown than any other section. Some of the varieties are unsurpassed 
for vases and large decorations, being of immen.se size, with long stems. 
They embrace the full range of colors, except blue, and every intermediate 
shade and tint. The flowers are all either .solid .self-colored or edged and 
shaded darker than the ground color. This section is invaluable for bank- 
ing and mas.sing, or, in fact, for any purpose where a large display- is wanted. 

Fancy Da/i/ias. — Also a branch of the old ball-shaped type, but are en- 
tirely di.stinct from the Show Dahlia, and are the most popular everywhere, 
owing to the lovely conflMuations of colors in the same flower. They are 
spla.slied, penciled, mai'gined, edged and variegated in every conceivable 
manner and form. The flowers are of large size, beautiful and regular form, 
while the plants are strong, vigorous growers and free bloomers. The}' are 
general favorites, and are largely planted in garden collections and as spec- 
men plants. This section is .seldom offered separately, but is included in the 
Double Darge Flowering or Show Dahlias of the catalogues. 

Pompon or Bouquet Dahlias. — This is not only a charming section, but 
one of the loveliest of the entire family. The flowers are of the most beau- 
tiful form, and enfl^race every color, shade, and tint found in Dahlias. 
They are very highly colored, while many of the varieties are beautifully 
variegated. The plants are of dwarf, compact growth, and, being continually 
covered with a mass of flowers, are very effective for bedding or borders, 
where they produce a beautiful effect. The flowers are largely used for 
bouquets and decorations, lasting a long time after being cut. This section 
is especially valuable for pot culture and for planting on small grounds where 
a large collection is desired, as they can be planted much closer together than 
the larger varieties. 

D:car/ or Bedding Dahlias. — This section is also generally included with 
the Double Large Flowering or Show Dahlias. The plants are beautiful and 




Hi)U(|uet of New Pompon Dahlias. 



THE DAHLIA. 15 

symmetrical, growing but eigliteeu inches to three feet high, and are strong, 
sturdy, and compact. Some of the varieties are extensively grown for cut 
flowers, while they are all unsurpassed as specimen plants or for bedding- 
purposes, owing to their great profusion of bloom and brilliant colors. 

Double Tom Tfiiiiiih Da/i/ias. — A section of pigmies growing only twelve 
to eighteen inches high, and the one pre-eminently adapted for bedding and 
pot culture. The flowers are from two to three inches in diameter, and are 
borne a few inches above the foliage, being quite distinct and striking. They 
will undoubtedly be largely used for bedding, and are very appropriate for 
children's miniature flower gardens. 

Part II. — Sii/i^lc Da/i/ias. — Single Dahlias are certainly very beautiful 
and useful for bouquets, decorations, specimen plants and bedding, and 
should be included in every collection. When the new high colored varie- 
ties become better known they will undoubtedly be universally grown. All 
Single Dahlias should have but eight rays or petals, and the rays should be 
of the same length. Single Dahlias are sometimes divided into numerous 
sections, but I shall be more conservative, and instead of subdividing sec- 
tions, will mention the leading characteristics of each section. I will, there- 
fore, divide Single Dahlias into the following sections : vStandard, vShow, 
Fancy, Cactus, Dwarf, and Tom Thumb. 

Standard Siuj^lc Dahlias. — These are the old type generally cultivated 
during the past and still prized by many for their large size and long stems. 
The plants are tall, strong, robust growers, of a branching habit ; they are 
free bloomers, and the easiest of Dahlias to grow. The flowers are self-colored, 
though sometimes shaded and edged darker than the ground color ; they are 
large, flat, and embrace the entire range of colors. 

Shiglc Slunv Dahlias. — So named because of their superb exhibition 
qualities. They are entirely distinct from the preceding, and are the most 
beautifully formed of all single varieties. The flowers are large, self-colored, 
though sometimes edged and shaded darker than the ground color. The 
petals are broad, overlapping each other, and are beautifully reflexed, thus 
giving a rounded, finished appearance to the flower. This section is highly 
prized for all purposes. 

Single Fancy Dahlias. — The grandest of the single sections, and universal 
favorites everywhere. The flowers are spotted, striped, splashed, margined, 
variegated, and blended in every conceivable and inconceivable manner. 
The colors, shades and tints are the loveliest found in nature, and embrace 
all from the softest to the richest. The flowers are of beautiful forms, some 
being reflex, of large size, and are marvels of entrancing loveliness. They 
are strong growers, profuse bloomers, and are invaluable for all purposes. 

.Single Cactus Dahlias. — As the name would suggest, these are entirely 
distinct from any other section. The petals are long, narrow, and irregular. 



1 6 THK DAHLIA. 

sometimes twisted at the tip. They are strong, \-igorous growers, while the 
flowers, which are beautifully borne on long, graceful stems, are .soft, deli- 
cate, and of large.st size. They are highly prized for Ijouquets and decora- 
tions on account of their superb colors and unique form. 

^/;/i,'A' Dii'inf Dahlias. — Of strong, sturdy growth, and from eighteen 
inches to three feet high. The flowers are medium to large, embrace the 
full range of colors, and are exten.sively used for borders, bedding, massing 
and banking. They are \ery profuse bloomers, .sometimes as many as fifty 
flowers being out at one time on a single plant. They are also largely used 
for bouquets, decorations, and for specimen plants. 

Siiigif Tom T/iuii/h. — These, like the Double Tom Thumb, are a race 
of pigmies, growing but ten to eighteen inches high. They embrace a com- 
plete range of colors, and are especially adapted for pot culture and all kinds 
of bedding. The flowers are small, growing but one and a half to two and 
a half inches in diameter, while some are beautifully variegated. The plants 
are sturdy little fellows, and quite distinct and striking with their small, 
brightly-colored flowers borne a few inches above the beautiful, serrated 
foliage. Owing to their miniature size they are a ver>- appropriate plant for 
children's gardens ; and are quite interesting if planted for contrast along 
side of the tall varieties. 



THE DAHLIA. 17 




CHAPTER III. 

PROPAGATION. 

HERE are four methods by which Dahlias are propagated ; by 
cuttings, division of roots, and bj- grafting to perpetuate ex- 
isting kinds, and by seeds to produce new varieties. 

Division of Roots. — This is the easiest and most satisfac- 
tory to amateurs, and is so simple as to scarcely need descrip- 
tion. As the eyes are not on the individual tubers but on the 
crown to which the tubers are attached, care must be taken 
that each division has at least one eye. It is therefore best to start the eyes 
by placing the roots in a warm, moist place a short time before dividing. 
The roots are sometimes placed in a hot-bed, and the shoots grown to con- 
siderable size, then divided and set out as plants ; but as this plan has many 
drawbacks, I would not advise it. 

By Cutti7igs. — This method is used mainly by commercial growers, and 
though the amateur may easily propagate plants successfully, the atfention 
a few cuttings would require would be so great that it would be cheaper to 
bu}' the plants. However, as it may be of interest to some, I will describe 
how Dahlias are propagated by this method on commercial places. The roots 
are planted closely in benches in the greenhouse early in January, and cut- 
tings are made from the young shoots as fast as they 'brni the third or fourth 
set of leaves. These cuttings are carefully trimmed and placed in pure sand 
in the propagating bench, using a dibble, and putting the cuttings in rows 
two or three inches apart and about a half inch between the cuttings. The 
propagating bench is made by running a flue, hot water or .steam pipes be- 
neath an ordinary bench, and boarding up the sides to confine the heat. Al- 
though there may be a difference of opinion among propagators, yet a bottom 
or sand heat of 65 degrees, with the temperature of the hou.se from 5 to 10 
degrees less, will give the best practical results. With this temperature the 
cuttings will root in about two weeks, and will be far stronger than if rooted 
in less time with greater heat. x\s .soon as the cuttings are rooted, they are 
potted off into small pots and grown in a cool greenhou.se until danger of 
frost is over, when tlie^^ are planted out in the open ground. 

By Grafting. — This is a very interesting, though not profitable, mode of 
propagation. The top of the tuber is cut .slantingly upward, and the cutting 
.slantingly downward, placed together and tied with any .soft, handy material. 



1 8 THE DAHLIA. 

They are then planted in a pot deep enough to cover the lower part of the 
graft with earth, and the}- will soon adhere if placed under a hand glass or 
in a frame. But as grafting has no advantages over the ordinary mode of 
propagation by cuttings it is seldom practiced. 

Bv Seeds. — Though many grow Dahlias from seed instead of planting 
roots, yet seeds are generally planted to prodtice new varieties only. This 
being the case, the matter will be fully treated in another chapter under the 
head of new varieties. 

Exeessive Propao;ation . — I know of no other name for it, and must say 
that whoever is guilty of it is doing a great deal of harm to Dahlia culture. 
By excessive propagation is meant the forcing under glass, not only of the 
roots, but plants grown from the roots, often two or three times removed. 
In this way many good varieties are so run down that they come absolutely 
single, and it takes a year or two for them to recover their old time vigor. 
Especially do florists make a mistake in forcing their new introductions in this 
way, as they alwa3-s lose in the end. 

A number of years ago, a firm in England introduced a very fine Dahlia, 
and to meet the enormous demand the stock was forced under great heat ; 
as a result the cuttings were so weak that they made poor, delicate plants, 
and the few flowers produced had large open centres, many being almost 
perfectly single. Consequently ever}' one was disappointed and considerable 
money was refunded. Now mark the sequel. The next year the flowers 
came perfectly double again, but it was too late for the introducers ; they 
had paid the penalty of their excessive greed. 

There are many reasons why these facts should be known by all who 
grow Dahlias, though the main reason is that every variety will be grown at 
least two years, and not discarded because they fail to come perfecth' full the 
first year. Had this fact been universally known, it would have saved con- 
siderable loss and disappointment, as, undoubtedly, many sorts discarded in 
the past w^ere really fine varieties. Therefore, if you purchase a new highly 
praised variety and it should not answer quite to the description, do not con- 
demn it too soon but grow it at least two more years. During this time it 
will, if properly cultivated, show its true characteristics ; and if it still proves 
inferior write to the source from which it was secured, making your com- 
plaints. 

If this practice of waiting a year or two was always followed, many 
complaints would never be written at all , as varieties are very apt to vary 
under different conditions and according to the seasons. A variety may be 
pure white this year, yet come tinted pink next, and visa versa. As an 
example, I will mention the Decorative-Cactus Dahlia "Nymphaea." 
This variety, under favorable conditions, is of a beautiful, clear, light 
shrimp pink color, and lias a delicate refined Water Eily fragrance, but is 



THE DAHLIA. 19 

devoid of fragrance and almost pnre white dnring an excessively wet, cold 
and cloudy season, or very late in the autumn. Of course if an entirely 
distinct variety is received it is something else, and a complaint together 
with a flower should be sent at once. 

Division of roots is not only the easiest and best, but far the cheapest of 
the three methods of propagation, and the one followed, as far as possible, 
by all growers. However, with new or rare varieties, where it is not so 
much cost as quantity, division is entirely inadecjuate to the occasion, as 
it would take several years to secure even a limited stock. Accordingly, 
new and rare varieties are propagated from cuttings and offered as plants, or 
are grown another year and offered as field, or pot roots, at a price within 
the reach of all. It will thus be seen that a thorough knowledge of the art 
of propagation is very useful, but that evil will always result from its being 
carried too far. 

In buying Dahlias it is always wise to give strong field roots the prefer- 
ence, as they give the best results the first year ; but, as the roots are easily 
kept from j-ear to year, the main object is to get the best varieties, regardless 
of the form in which thev are offered. 



20 



THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER IV. 



POSITION, SOIL AND MANURE. 




NE of the most important points in Dahlia culture is to select a 
suitable location, for unless they are planted in an open situa- 
tion, where they can get plenty of sun and air, the best results 
cannot be obtained. True, the}' will grow and give some 
blooms in almost au}' position, even where shaded by trees 
and buildings ; but, as no plant is perfectly satisfactory ex- 
cept at its best, it is always advisal)le to gi\-e such position 
and conditions as will conduce to its highest state of development. 

The besi, position for Dahlias is in the garden where, with but little at- 
tention, they will grow luxuriantly and bloom profusely during the entire 
summer and autumn. The house can thus l^e filled with lovely flowers at a 
time when, owing to the scarcity of other flowers, they are most appreciated. 
Be.side the garden, Dahlias may be planted along fences ; singly or in groups 
on the lawn, and in beds of any size or form desired, with most pleasing 
results. A large group or bank of the profuse blooming varieties, planted 
in a corner or on one side of the grounds in such maimer that each succeed- 
ing row is higher than the one before it, is most beautiful and effective. 

Another favorite position is along an exposed walk or drive, where 
they ma}' be planted on either side and make a very attractive border. It 
must be remembered that the Dahlia requires plenty of sunlight, air and 
water, and it will not grow vigorously or bloom profusely where these ele- 
ments cannot be obtained. 

If planted in the shade of buildings, they will make a tall but soft growth 
of plant and will l^loom but sparingly ; while in the shade of trees their 
position is even worse, as they are not only robbed of sunshine, by the 
branches above, but of moisture by the roots beneath. Therefore plant j^our 
Dahlias where nothing will obstruct the sunlight and the free circulation of 
air above, or rob them of moisture from beneath, and you have taken 
the most important steps toward their successful cultivation. 

The soil is not so important, except in its ability to hold moisture during 
severe drouths. An}^ rich soil that will grow corn will also grow Dahlias 
to perfection, if all other conditions are favorable. They will grow equally 
well in clear sand, clay or gravel, if the proper kinds and quantities of plant 
food is added and thoroughly worked in. While Dahlias will adapt them- 



THE DAHLIA. 2 1 

selves to any soil, it may be well to state, however, that a good sandy loam 
is especially adapted to their culture, owing to its drouth resisting qualities. 
Yet this is not of great importance as everything depends on the treatment 
given and the fertility, rather than the quality, of the soil. 

Fertility goes hand and hand with position and is of great importance ; 
for, no matter wdiere you plant your Dahlias or how good your treatment, 
they will not grow luxuriantly or bloom freely unless there is an abundance 
of available plant food in the soil. The plants being strong, robust growers 
are not particular as to what particular form or kind of fertilizer is given, 
provided it contains the necessary elements required for their development. 
Any kind of well rotted manure that is most convenient will give equally 
good results, if sufficient quantity is well worked into the soil. 

It is always best to broadcast the manure and plow or spade it into the 
soil, while it is absolutely necessary if it is not well decomposed. On heavy, 
clay or gravelly soils, loose, coarse manure may be used (broadcasted and 
plowed or spaded in of course) with excellent results, as it lightens the soil 
and allows a freer root growth, but on light or sandy soils the manure should 
always be fine and well rotted. 

Connnercial fertilizers are also largely used, and are most valualjle when 
used in connection with manure. Any good fertilizer, rich in ammonia and 
phosphoric acid with a liberal amount of potash, will answer at the time of 
planting, but as a top dressing later, I have found nothing that would equal 
pure bone meal and nitrate of soda, in proportion — four parts bone and one 
part soda. 



22 



THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER V. 



GARDEX CULTIVATION. 




HE garden is the place pre-eminently adapted to Dahlia culture. 
It is here that they may be grown, in all their loveliness, with 
so little care and expense that no lover of flowers can afford to 
be without them. They grow so luxuriantly and bloom so 
profusely that even a few plants, properly cared for, will furnish 
a fresh bouquet almost daily from June until frost, while a col- 
lection of the finer varieties are ever a source of great pleasure. 
Dahlias are offered in five forms : — ^Immense clumps, strong field roots, 
pot roots, green plants and seeds (see next page for comparative sizes). 
The clumps give the best results the first 3'ear, but are entireh' too large 
and unwieldy for an>-thing but a local trade. The strong field roots are the 
most valuable, as they can be easily and safely handled, and always give 
satisfactory results. Pot roots are largely used in the mailing trade, and, 
while they will not give as good results the first year, are valuable for ship- 
ping long distances where larger roots could not be profitably used, owing 
to heax-}- transportation charges. 

Green plants are mainly used to make up any deficiency in the field 
crops, owing to unfavorable .seasons, or an unusual demand for certain 
varieties. Many firms, who offer field roots only, send out strong green 
plants, rather than disappoint their customers by returning their money, 
after the supply of roots is exhausted. This I consider a very good plan, as 
the plants will bloom equally as w^ell if they receive careful attention, and 
will make good roots for the following year. 

There is a diversity of opinion as to the proper time to plant Dahlias, 
but I have always found it best to plant early and would advise planting 
large, strong roots about two weeks before danger of frost is over. This 
would be, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, about April 15th ; and as it takes 
from two to three weeks for them to get up through the ground there will be 
no danger, while your plants will bloom that much earlier. It is best, how- 
ever, not to plant small roots or green plants until danger of frost is over — in 
the vicinity of Philadelphia, about the ist to the lothof May, according to the 
season. Therefore, a good rule to follow everywhere would be to plant small 
roots and green plants as soon as danger of frost is over and large roots about 
two weeks earlier. 



,i*\Wiv\\W-> 




Fis- 4- Stem of Plant under New Single 
Stem Bl-ancliin;4 Svstem. 



Fit;. 5. I'ot Roots. 



Comparative Sizes. 



24 THE DAHLIA. 

The first requisite of successful garden cultivation is to thoroughly stir 
the soil to considerable depth, and enrich it, if it is not already so, by broad- 
casting and plowing or spading in a good coat of well rotted manure. Too 
much stress cannot be placed upon the thorough preparation of the soil, as 
it not only allows the roots to go down deep after the moisture more readily 
during dry weather, but affords good drainage during excessive rains. 
Having prepared the soil as above, mark out rows four feet apart and six to 
eight inches deep, and plant the roots from eighteen inches to three feet apart 
in the row, according as you wish a solid row or specimen plants. If per- 
fectly symmetrical specimen plants are wanted, they should be planted, at least 
four feet apart each way, which allows plenty of room for the circulation of 
air between the plants and a larger surface from which they can draw 
nourishment and moisture. 

Before covering the roots, spread a small shovelful of well rotted manure 
in each space between the roots, and a small handful of fertilizer to two 
spaces, taking care that the manure and fertilizer does not come in contact 
with the roots. This done, cover the rows with plow% hoe or any other con- 
venient method. As soon as the shoots appear, remove all but the strongest 
one and pinch that one off, thus forcing it to branch at the surface of the 
ground. By this method the entire strength of the root and the soil is con- 
centrated on the one shoot, causing it to grow vigorously ; while the pinching 
or cutting back of the shoot not only causes it to branch at the surface and 
thus brace it against all storms without staking, but also removes all of those 
first imperfect, short-stemmed flowers that appear on some varieties. (See 
cut page 23 showing how the plants branch, also illustration of field of 
Nymphaea Dahlias, page 26, grown under this system without staking.) 

I am, I think, the first to use and advocate this method of cultivation, 
and, by its practice, have growai many thousands of Dahlia blooms, on stems 
from eighteen inches to two feet long ; selling them to florists, by the thou- 
sands, for four times the ruling price of carnations, and higher than that 
asked for roses. 

During its early stage of development, the Dahlia grows very rapidly, 
and should be kept thoroughly cultivated ; that is, the rows should be kept 
scrupulously clean by frequent hoeings, and the space between the rows fre- 
quently and deeply stirred. Among the many benefits thus derived is to 
make the plant root deeply, but it must be remembered thai while deep cul- 
tivation is beneficial during its early stage of development, it is almost fatal 
to the production of flowers if practiced after the plants come into bloom. 
Therefore, when your plants commence to bloom, cease deep cidtivation a^id 
stir the soil to the depth of one to two inches only, but stir it often, and never 
allow the surface to become hard and baked. This will not only prevent exces- 
sive evaporation of moisture and keep the under soil cool and moist, but will 
also prevent the destruction of immense quantities of feeding roots. 



THE DAHI^IA. 25 

The nearer the directions for preparing the soil and planting the roots 
are followed, the longer the plants will continne to grow and bloom freely, 
for the roots push out in every direction in search of nourishment and 
moisture, thus forming a complete network of strong, vigorous feeding roots. 
This immense system of roots not onl}- more than supply the needs of the 
plant, but enables it to withstand extreme droughts owing to the large 
amount of moisture they hold in reserve. 

As long as the roots supply more nourishment than is needed to support 
the plant, both the plant and the flowers increase in size and beauty ; but as 
the supply gradually becomes exhausted, the plants cease growing and the 
flowers become much smaller. This condition is what is generally called 
" bloomed out," but what is really " starved out," and can easily be pre- 
vented if the proper attention is given to the plants. As soon as the flowers 
commence to grow^ smaller, broadcast around each plant a small handful of 
pnre.bone meal and nitrate of soda, in proportion four parts bone to one part 
soda, and carefully work it into the soil. 

This will be carried down where the roots can reach it by the first rain, 
and will restore full vigor to the plants and size to the flowers. In the 
ab.sence of above mixture, any good fertilizer rich in ammonia and phos- 
phoric acid will give excellent results. This top dressing, and a thorough 
stirring of the soil from time to time as already advised, will insure an 
abundance of beautiful flowers until the plants are killed down by severe frosts. 

As soon as the plants are killed b}^ frost, lift the roots and, after remov- 
ing all the soil from them possible, allow them to dry in the air for a few 
hours, when they should be stored in the cellar or some other cool place 
secure from frost. If your cellar is very dry or is not frost proof, put the 
roots in a barrel or box and cover completely with dr_\- sand or some other 
suitable and convenient material, such as saw du.st or tan bark, to prevent 
freezing or loss of vitality by drying and shriveling. Roots handled in this 
way will keep safely over winter and will be in excellent condition for plant- 
ing the following spring. 

Staking. — It has always been thought necessary to tie Dahlias up to 
stakes to prevent them from being blown down b}' heavy winds, but how 
much more beautiful is a field or collection of Dahlias in full bloom without 
stakes. The system of staking is not only unsightly during the early stage 
of their growth, but is attended with considerable labor and expense. 
Staking, however, is unnecessary if the directions already given on page 24 
are followed, as the plants will branch out at the surface of the ground and 
the stems will become so heavy as to resist the strongest winds. It may not 
be out of place to add that this is the best method for growing Dahlias, as 
the plants are one-third dwarfer, compact and regular in form, and produce 
much finer flowers on long stems well supplied with buds and foliage. 




FIELD OF NVMPH.EA DAHLIAS. 

Planted May 3otli. Photo'^raphed Sept. 28tli , 1895, alter nine weeks con- 
tinuous droutli. Siiiiile stem l>rancliin^' svsteni. 



THE DAHLIA. 



27 



]]'a/i-ri)to. — This is a debatable subject, and although a judicious appli- 
cation of water during a severe dry spell is very beneficial, yet in nine cases 
out of every ten where water is applied a thorough stirring of the surface 
soil would give better results. Not that I am opposed to watering where it 
can be done thoroughly and con\-enientl>-, l)ut it is nuich better and easier to 
save the moisture already in the soil, than it is to put moisture in the .soil 
artificially after nature's supply has been wa.sted. The .soil acts as capillary 
tubes, thus drawing the moisture to the surface where, if unchecked, it is 
rapidly evaporated. If the surface is stirred this waste is prevented, as the 
dry loose .soil completely seals those small tubes, and the moisture is held in 
reserve beneath until it is required and removed by the plant. It is really 
astonishing how long Dahlias will withstand the drought if they are not 
planted too closeh' and the soil is properl}- stirred. 

The sunnner and autumn of 1.S95 was one of the drye.st on record ; 
there being after July 4th but two showens — ^July 20th and 2Sth respectively 
— until October, and during this period there was at no time sufficient rain- 
fall to lay the dust. Despite this extreme drouth. Dahlias givL-n the treat- 
ment herein described bloomed freely throughout, as may be .seen from the 
illu.strations contained in this book. These illustrations were reproduced 
from photographs taken right out in a ten acre field, September 2Sth 1895, 
after nine weeks of continuous drouth. This field of Dahlias was grown 
under the new system, as described in this chapter, without staking or 
watering, and was pronounced by man}- to be a signal triumph of .science 
and .skill over adverse conditions. 

This instance proves how easily Dahlias may be grown, without the 
labor and expense of staking and watering, during the most trying .season 
ever experienced. Not but what Avatering, at least, would have been bene- 
ficial ; but it would have been worse than folly to have dreamed of watering 
a ten acre field in New Jersey, with nothing but a windmill to pump the 
water and not enough wind to run it. 

Many people believe Dahlias should be watered every evening, and as .soon 
as they are up commence watering them daily unless it rains. This practice 
is very injurious as it causes a rapid, but .soft, growth ; and, as the .soil is 
seldom stirred, the roots become .so enfeebled for want of air that they are 
unable to supply the needs of the plant ; as a consequence, but few buds are 
formed and they generally blast before developing into flowers. 

In other cases, as the enthusia.sm wears off, watering is stopped, prol)ably, 
right at the beginning of a severe drouth, and the weak, pampered plants 
are fortunate to survive, nuich les.s l)loom. 

If large, strong roots are planted and the .soil is kept thoroughly stirred, 
there will be little need of artificial watering until after the plants come out 
in full bloom. However, if it should become hot and drv after \our Dahlias 



28 THE DAHI^IA. 

come into bloom, it would, if convenient, be very beneficial to give them a 
thorouoh watering once each week or ten days during the continuance of the 
drouth. But care must be taken to stir the soil to the depth of one to tivo 
inches the next day, carefully pulverizing it later, in order to seal those natural 
capillary tubes by ivhich the moisture is evaporated. 

The best rule to follow is not to allow your plants to suffer from want 
of moisture ; nor to water them except the}' need it ; but to water them 
thoroughly when you do water them, and not to allow excessive evaporation 
for want of frequent stirring of the soil. 



thp: dahlia. 



29 



CHAPTER VI . 



NEW VARIETIES. 




HE popularit}' of a plant is always increased l)y the produc- 
tion of new varieties. Whether this is, altogether, because 
we tire of existing kinds, or because the production of dis- 
tinct forms and types disproves the old adage of there being 
" nothing new under the sun," each reader must decide for 
themselves. The scientist would demonstrate that nothing 
new had been created — that it was only new combinations 
of what existed before ; but in this very demonstration, however, he would 
admit that which he was trying to disprove ; it is these new and marvelously 
beautiful combinations that excite the admiration of the flower-loving world. 
No other flower has been so improved by the production of new varieties as 
the Dahlia, and, strange to say, without impairing its vigor of growth. 

Although many new varieties are produced by sports from existing 
kinds, the most important method, and only one by which real progress is 
made, is by planting selected seeds. To secure the Ijest results, .seed should 
be sa\'ed from dwarf, ver}^ double varieties only, as they not onl}^ bloom 
earlier but give a greater percentage of good flowers. Crossing varieties 
also offers great possibilities in the production of superior .sorts, and many 
.specialists secure the exact kinds the}^ wish by the judicious .selection of 
parent plants. 

Artificial crossing of varieties is very easily accompli.shed if the proper 
care is taken, although growers have, in the past, been content to depend 
chiefly on bees and other in.sects for all crossing, and simply gathered seed 
from the finest flowers. All that is nece,s.sary is to select the varieties it is 
desired to cross, and apply the pollen of one to the pistil of the other with a 
fine camel's-hair brush. It will take .several operations on each flower-head, 
as each head is composed of numerous individual flowers which open slowly, 
commencing at the base of the ra3's or petals. Care must be taken to remove 
the stamen from each flower of the head, before it can impregnate the pistil 
wdth its own pollen, also to cover the flowers operated on with wire screens, 
to keep oft' bees and other insects. 

The .seed can be sown thinly in the greenhou.se, in a box in the house, 
or in a mild hot-bed earl}^ in April, and tran.splanted into the open ground 




New Show Dahlia.— Miss May Lonias. 



THE D\HLIA. 3I 

as soon as danger of frost is over. They require the same treatment as other 
Dahlias, except that they must l)e watered until thoroughly established, and 
will bloom freely the first season. 

Growing new varieties from seed is most fascinating to amateurs, owing 
to the uncertainty and expectancy ; for beside the possibility of raising a 
finer variety than was ever Ijefore produced, they have the pleasure of watch- 
ing each plant as it first unfolds its hidden secret. 

Sports have the same form and other characteristics of the variety from 
which they spring, and are simply a reproduction of the old variety in a dif- 
ferent color or colors. In some instances they have simply a change in the 
groundcolor, as is seen in the " Fawcett " sports, whilein others there is 
a complete change of colors. They are seldom an improvement on the old 
variety, and are most frequent among the Fancy sections. vSome varieties 
sport permanently, while others sport back and forth and cainiot be depended 
on unless selected very carefully. An example of the latter class can be 
found in the F'ancy Dahlia " Dandy," which is a red pink, striped and heavily 
penciled, reverse black, and is so apt to sport that, unless care is exercised, nine- 
tenths of the flowers will be solid black. There is also a pink sport of this 
variety, but if care is taken to throw out all but the striped type for a few 
years, but little trouble will be experienced in keeping it true. 

Some of the new varieties recently introduced are marvels of entrancing 
loveliness, being of largest size, most beautiful form, and of exquisite finish. 
While there has not been a blue variety produced as yet, many believe it is 
only a question of a little time, for we already have several purples contain- 
ing blue shades ; all that is needed is to develop those shades, and w^e have 
the greatest floral novelty of the century. 

A great deal has been said regarding the value of new varieties of flowers, 
both pro and con ; but it is now generally conceded that new varieties of 
merit are, not only beneficial to floriculture, but are absolutely necessary to 
keep up a popular interest, in any class of plants. The past history of the 
Dahlia is sufficient proof of this ; but, while new varieties are essential, im- 
provement is of still greater importance, and no variety should be introduced 
unless it has more good points than any other variety of a similar color and 
type. 



THE DAHLIA. 




■^\^i 



CHAPTER VII. 

DAHLIAS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. 

HERE are now varieties of almost every conceivable color, form 
and habit ; and, where the finer varieties are known, they 
are largely used and highly prized, for all floral purposes. 
There are many varieties that are similar in color, and from 
a general description would be called identical ; yet, owing to 
form and habit, they are entirely distinct, and each are pre- 
eminently adapted to some special purpose. It is, therefore, 
of the greatest importance that the various characteristics of each variety 
should be given in the descriptions, that the monotnoy and general similarity 
of the descriptive list can be avoided, and thus assist the buyer in selecting 
varieties for any special purpose. In the past. Dahlias were grown chiefly as 
garden plants, where color was of importance, and little attention was given 
to any particular shade or tint of that color ; but with the knowledge of the 
adaptability of the plant to conditions, and its value for so many special pur- 
poses, varieties to supply these needs were produced. Therefore, the time 
for buying and growing Dahlias under color is past, and both the amateur 
and the grower will select certain named varieties for a certain purpose. 

Ci/t Flo7vcrs. — There is no flower more useful for cut flower purposes 
than the Dahlia, coming, as they do, at a season when there is a dearth of 
other good flowers. \'arieties having large flowers of perfect form, good 
texture and finish, pleasing and attraclive colors, and borne on long stems 
well supplied with buds and foliage, are the most useful. The Decorative 
Cactus varieties are the most valuable for this purpose and the following are 
among the very best : Nymphoea, Clifford W. Bruton, Harry Freeman, 
Eyndhurst, Delicata, Evadne, Black Prince, Mrs. Hawkins, Oban, Princess 
Harry, Marchioness of Bute and Sunlight. 

Many of the Show and Fancy varieties are also largely used for vases 
and large decorations, among the best being Miss May Eomas, Miss Flor- 
ence Shearer, Mrs. Gladstone, Pluton, Souv. de Mad. Moreau, Purity, Pene- 
lope, Eucy Fawcett, Crim.son Giant, Mrs. Eangtry, Grand Duke Alexis, 
Ruby Queen, Frank Smith, and Arabella. 

The Pompon or Bouquet Dahlias are great favorites, especially for bou- 
quets, and decorations where small flowers and brilliant colors are wanted. 
The best for cut flowers are : Snowclad, Loveliness, Fairy Queen, Beauty In- 




New Bedding Dahlia. — Ps>che. 

Planted June 12th. Photcigraphed Sept. 2Stii, 1S95, after nine weeks conliinious 

drouth. Single stem branching ss'steni. 



34 THE DAHLIA. 

constant, Catherine, La Petite Jean, Aillet's Imperial, Sprig, Crimson Beauty, 
lyittle Prince, Daybreak and Fashion. 

All of the single varieties are especially adapted for cutting, and many 
of the Dwarf varieties are used by florists for design work ; of the latter 
Alba Imbricata, Cameliaflora and Mary Bruant are the most important. 

Massing and BaJiking. — Nothing can be lovelier or grander than a mass 
or bank of bright colored Dahlias tastefully planted so as to display the 
beautiful colors to advantage. The Show, Dwarf and Single varieties are 
especially valuable for this purpose, as are also a few of the Decorative Cac- 
tus, Fancy and Pompon. They must be profuse bloomers, of sturdy growth 
and of bright and intense colors. Of the Decorative Cactus varieties, Nym- 
phcea, Wm. Agnew, Lj'ndhurst, Clifford W. Bruton, Beauty of Brentwood 
and Henry Patrick are among the best. Of the Show^ and Fancy sections the 
following are un.surpassed : Lucy Fawcett, A. D. Livoni, Pluton, Arabella, 
Miss Florence Shearer, Princess Bonnie, Wacht Am Rhine, Marg. Bruant, 
Grand Duke Alexis, Crimson Giant, Red Head, Colibre, Bird of Pa.ssage, 
Hercules, Marguerite. All of the free flowering Dwarf, Tom Thumb and 
Single varieties are valuable for this purpose ; aLso, such Pompon sorts as 
Klein Domatia, Snowclad, Fairy Tales, Catherine, Vivid, Loveliness, Dandy 
and Virginale. 

Bedding. — Gardeners are now beginning to realize the great possibilities 
of the Dahlia as a bedding plant. For this purpose they must be of .strong, 
sturdy, branching growth, and profuse bloomers, while the flowers must be 
of good sub.stance, rich and brilliant colors, and be able to with.stand the 
hot summer sun without fading. The height of the plant will depend on the 
kind of bedding ; tall and serai-dwarf varieties for large beds, and dwarf sorts 
for small beds or for low bedding purposes. Some very attractive beds have 
been grown by planting tall varieties in the center, around which were planted 
rows of proportionately dwarfer varieties. These rows may be of dwarfer 
varieties of the same color, or may be of different colors as desired, there 
being no limit to the possible arrangements or combinations, owing to the 
numerous good varieties at command. 

Specimen Plants. — This is one of the most pleasing and valuable forms 
in which the Dahlia is grown, and, perhaps, the most popular. Any of the 
free blooming varieties will produce fine specimen plants, if large roots are 
planted, but one shoot allowed to grow, and that pinched off and forced to 
branch at the surface of the ground ; though on small grounds the dwarf or 
bedding varieties are generally grown. By selecting different varieties they 
may be grown to all sizes and well-grown specimens of some of the newer 
varieties is an entrancingly lovely sight, and one long to be remembered. 

Borders and Hedges . — Along open and exposed walks and driveways 
Dahlias are sometimes planted with excellent results. They may all be of one 



THE DAPILIA. 35 

color, or of different colored varieties of same height and habit, according to 
the taste of the grower. Another useful purpose is to grow them in hedge 
form around the garden, or anywhere a hedge is desired, and it is impossible 
to imagine anything lovelier. Just think of a garden enclosed on every side 
by a hedge four feet high, two and a half feet wide and completely enveloped 
with beautiful flowers of the loveliest shades, from the softest to the richest. 
Nor is this picture overdra\vn. It is impossible to con\-ey with the pen the 
great beaut}^ of the scene just described, and it is the wish of the writer that 
every reader of this little w^ork could have beheld this scene, just as the writer 
did one beautiful September morning about three years ago. 

Dahlias are used for many other purposes, and are grown in many other 
forms with most pleasing effect. Some train the tall varieties on trellises in 
espalier form ; many train them to tall supports, while a few spread them out 
on the ground, and peg them fast, to give them the appearance of a bed of 
large flowering pigmies. This latter form is ver}' pleasing, as a plant of 
some varieties will bloom profu.sely, and seem to thrive unusualh* well, while 
giving the impression of being a number of sturdy plants growing but eight 
to ten inches high. The Fanc}' Dahlia, Uncertainty, is especialh^ adapted to 
this purpose. It is a beautiful, variegated variet}' , of a sprawling habit, and 
will produce more flowers under this system than any other. 



36 



THl': DAHLIA 



CHAPTER VIII. 



DAHJ.IA EXHIBITIONS. 




O flower is better adapted for exhibition purposes than the 
Dahlia, which fact is fulh' appreciated in England where 
Dahlia shows not only exceed the chrysanthemum 
shows in number, but in surpassing beauty and popu- 
larit}'. In England, France, and Germany, but es- 
pecially in England, Dahlias are universally grown by 
all classes, and almost every town and hamlet as well 
as the large cities, have a Dahlia show of their own. There, in almost every 
garden, can be found the most beautiful varieties, grown especially for the local 
Dahlia exhibition, where the titled gentleman and his humlilest laborer com- 
pete on equal terms for the same prizes. Nor does the humbler man compete 
in vain, for, in many cases, he wins the prize for which he has striven so 
hard. As the Dahlia requires no special conditions or greenhouses, it is 
entirely a matter of science and skill, and there is everywhere such a strong, 
yet friendly, competition, as to arouse the greatest popular interest and 
enthusiasm. 

How different in America. Here we have no shows during the summer 
and early autumn months ; but, early in November, there comes such a deluge 
of Chrysanthemum shows as to almost bewilder us. Our florists and horti- 
culturists seem to think the Chr3'santhemum the only flower worth}^ of an 
exhibition ; and, then complain because the masses do not agree with them. 
The November Chrj-santhemum shows are losing in popularity, simply because 
the masses are not interested in a flower the}' cannot grow ; the}- admire them, 
but, lacking interest, do not care to see about the same thing from 5'ear to 
year. 

Somehow our leading horticulturists do not realize this, for they are 
now discussing this monotony of, and lack of interest in, the flower shows. 
They attribute it to the system as ma}- be seen from the following quotation : 
' ' The next question is, how to get the masses to lend us their eyes and ears. 
The present system seems to fall short somewhere, and is pretty near a 
failure. ' ' 

For .summer and early autumn shows, especiall}- in small cities, towns, 
and even country villages, the Dahlia offers great possibilities, as it requires 
no special condition and can be grown to perfection in every garden, with 




New Decorative Cactus Dahlia. 
Cliftbrd \V. Knitnn. 



38 THE DAHLIA. 

but little trouble and expense. In this respect, it has no equal, and can truly 
be called the flower for the masses, as its superb beauty can be as fully 
developed in the workingman's garden, as on the more pretentious grounds 
of his more fortunate neighbors. 

I am often told that the Dahlia can never supplant the Chr3'Santhemum, 
and that the Dahlia shows would never reach the popularity of the Chrysan- 
themum shows. As to the first no one would wish it, nor could it be, as 
the}' occup)' two distinct seasons, and one follows the other in perfect suc- 
cession. The Dahlia is in bloom from June until October, while the finer 
Chrysanthemums do not commence to bloom until the last of October and 
November ; as they thus occupy two distinct seasons, it is useless to compare 
their relative qualities. One is a popular garden plant, the other, to be fully 
developed, belongs to the greenhouse ; both have their missions — neither can 
be spared. 

But in popularity, the Dahlia shows are destined to surpass everj^ other 
floral exhibition in the near future, as they require no special conditions ; 
no greenhouses, and can be grown in every garden, thus insuring spirited 
competition, without which the popularity of a show is sure to wane as the 
noveltj' wears off. Nor is this popularity' undeserved ; there is no other 
flower can compare with them in range of colors or variegations, while the 
beautiful lustre of the colors is unsurpassed in nature. 

It is onl}' at a comprehensive Dahlia exhibition, that its many wonderful 
characteristics can be seen. Flowers of almost every conceiveable form and 
color, all of superb beaut}', are tastefully arranged so as to give the most 
pleasing effects. Some plants only ten inches high are exhibited in full 
bloom, while near by is a giant of ten, perhaps fifteen feet high. There are 
so mau}^ classes and types of Dahlias, that a person seeing a complete exhibit 
for the first time would be very apt to ask : — " But which are the Dahlias?" 

Among the new introductions are varieties that resemble the Chrysan- 
themum, the Water Lily, the Cactus, and the Rose, besides improved forms 
of all the older typis ; and it is not unusual to see specimen blooms six to 
eight inches in diameter, on stems two to three feet long. This diversit}' of 
types and forms, precludes the possibility of that monotony so common at 
flower shows. The rapidly increasing popularity of the Dahlia will do much 
towards developing floriculture, especially in the rural districts, and will 
undoubtedly encourage the formation of local .societies, for the purpose of 
holding Summer and early Autumn flower shows, throughout the country. 



THK DAHLIA. 



39 



CH APTE R IX, 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 




HILE a thorough stirring of the soil will generally give 
better results than watering, in garden cultivation ; yet, 
when Dahlias are planted near trees, hedges, or large 
shrubs, they will require liberal watering, especially in 
dry weather, as the roots of the trees and shrubs will 
rob them of nature's supply of moisture. Specimen 
plants on the lawn will also need watering during dry 
weather, and will well repay this extra attention with their wealth of bloom. 
A very common, yet fatal, error, is to start the roots in a hot-bed and allow 
the shoots to become a foot or more in height before planting on the lawn, 
as a plant started this way will need staking, and will always have a top- 
heavy appearance. A perfectly .symmetrical Dahlia bu.sh is one of the 
loveliest plants for any open position on the grounds, and can be grown with 
half the attention required by almost an}- other flower. 

It is best to prepare a circular bed, at least two feet in diameter, and 
thoroughh- stir the soil to the depth of eighteen inches to two feet. Plant 
large roots six to eight inches deep, and, under the single stem branching 
system (see figure 4, page 23,), the plant can be grown in any desired form, 
b}' .securing the branches to small supports. 

It is not generally known that Dahlias make beautiful pot plants, and 
that, by feeding them properly with manure water, the}' fully equal the 
Chrysanthemum as an exhibition plant. In growing plants in pots for exhi- 
bition, give them plenty of air and sunshine, though as cool a po.sition as 
possible, and never allow them to suffer from lack of moisture ; but, during 
very hot weather, partially protect them from the intense mid-day sun, which 
would injure the delicate petals, and in .some cases cau.se the flowers to fade. 
As the Dahlia is so free from insects and diseases, it was thought unneces- 
sary to give the subject a separate chapter. Mildew is the only disease worth 
mentioning, and is caused by clnnatic conditions and unfavorable positions. 
Give your plants an open situation, and keep them in a growing condition 
during dry weather by frequent stirring of the surface soil, or by a thorough 
watering once each week during the drouth, and mildew will be unknown. 
If your plants are badly effected they will never bloom, so cut them down to 
the ground, when they will send up healthy shoots, and with proper attention, 
bloom until frost. 




vi i 



OJ 






^f 


















:r 






C 


^ 


OJ 




'J) 




•n 


u 


1) 


u 




•a 










rt 


;3 






M 






OJ 






. & 

jj O 



THE DAHLIA. 4 1 

There are but few insects affecting Dahlias in America, and these are 
easily disposed of by hand picking. The brown cut worm will sometimes 
cut off small shoots ; as they will shoot up again, destroy the worm, and but 
little damage is done. The black aster bug sometimes attack the flowers 
but are easily picked off, as are also the spotted cucumber beetle — a small 
yellowish green, black spotted beetle about oue- fourth to three-eighths of an 
inch long, that feeds on the shoots and flowers. As these insects are but few 
and scattering, and as mildew is seldom seen, the Dahlia can, practically, be 
called free from insects and diseases. 

Dahlias can be planted as late as July ist, and still bloom profusely 
before frost, as may be seen from the field view on opposite page. This 
enables every gardener to have plenty of superb flowers during September 
and October, by planting Dahlias where early garden crops have been re- 
moved, and thus at the same time turn what would be a waste of weeds into 
a lovely flower garden. Yonng plants always produce larger flowers than 
those that have been blooming all summer ; this is only a hint for those who 
wish to grow prize flowers for the coming Dahlia Exhibitions. 

The scene opposite represents one row each of the Semi-dwarf (long 
stem dwarf) Dahlias, A. D. Livoni and Arabella, with the standard varieties 
on either side, and is intended to demonstrate the value of early flowering 
Dwarf varieties, over the later flowering tall varieties, during drouth and for 
late planting. This scene also shows the advantage of the .single stem 
branching sy.stem, over the old method of tying to tall stakes. 

While Dahlia roots may be (^asily divided, it is much better to plant the 
same clumps from year to year, and, if but one shoot is allowed to grow, it 
will make an enormous plant and produce hundreds of flowers. Specimen 
plants of Mrs. Dexter and Crimson Giant will grow eight to ten feet high and 
four to five feet across, if enormous clumps are planted in rich soil and 
liberall}' fed, while the Dwarf varieties will resemble an innuense bouquet. 



42 



THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER X. 



THE AMERICAN DAHLIA SOCIETY. 




HIS Society, which already has members in several States, 
even as far west as Colorado, was organized at Hotel Han- 
over, Philadelphia, on March 20, 1S95. Unlike most socie- 
ties, it was organized at the earnest solicitation of several 
amateur admirers of the " grand old flower," who saw the 
need of such an organization to thoroughly introduce the 
new types and forms. 
The Dahlia had underwent a complete transformation, and these admirers 
saw that it was necessary to show the marvelous results of more than a cen- 
tury's constant improvement. But there were other reasons for forming the 
society. The flower has always been popular with amateurs and gardeners, 
even if neglected by professional horticulturists, and has been largely grown, 
especially- in the rural districts ; but, owing to multiplicity of names and in- 
feriority of varieties, the demand was becoming less each year, and the ad- 
mirers of the flower, having been deceived so many times by beautiful pictures 
and glowing descriptions, were willing to buy only where the}' could see the 
varieties in bloom. As soon as the specialists realized this fact, they at once 
joined hands with the amateurs, and the formation of the American Dahlia 
Society was the gratifying result. 

It is the intention of the society to carefully classify all the existing va- 
rieties, and make a meritorious list of all scoring a given number of points. 
This will greatly increase the popularity of the plant, by restoring perfect 
confidence in the varieties offered for sale. 

The society was organized solely in the interest of floriculture in general, 
and not to make money, as ma}' be seen from the fact that the yearly dues 
are but one dollar. This subject was carefully considered, and it was decided 
to make the society a popular one. 

It is also the desire of the National Society, to a.ssist the formation of 
lyocal Societies in every floral communit}', for the purpose of holding local 
exhibitions during the Summer and Autumn months. True, there are 
exhibitions in all the large cities during November, but the majority of 
gardeners and amateurs are unable to compete, as they have no greenhouses 
or other facilities for growing roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, and other 
flowers during that season of the vear. November is therefore too late for 



THE DAHLIA. 43 

popular shows and it is only in large towns and cities that they can be held 
with even partial success. 

In speaking of this subject an amateur said : — -" Of course early shows 
would not be popular with the florists ; but as the florists have exhibitions 
in November, why should not the people have exhibitions during the sum- 
mer and early autumn, when the garden can compare favorably with the 
best of greenhouse estal)lishments?" This is all true, except their not being 
popular with florists. Whatever would increase popular interest in floricul- 
ture would always be most pleasing to florists, and they would be only too 
willing to exhibit and render ever}' assistance possible to the holding of early 
shows ; this is most evident from the fact that they could exhibit their finest 
plants without danger of chilling, injur}- from gas, or other dangers, and at 
a time when popular interest and demand would be greatest. If these early 
shows were held throughout the country they would increase the interest in 
floriculture and, perhaps, the Chrysanthemvnn exhibitions would be more 
liberally patronized than during the past few j^ears. 

The organizers of the ' ' American Dahlia Society ' ' were aware of the 
lack of popular interest in the late shows, and believed it was, partly, because 
the amateur could not grow and exhibit flowers at that sea'^on, and partly 
because the exhibits were so stiff, formal and monotonous. Therefore they 
do not advocate an exhibition of Dahlias only ; but, as the family is so large 
and the range of colors, forms and habits so extensive. Dahlias are urged as 
a nucleus around which can be gathered all the other gems of the garden, 
conservatory and greenhouse. In exhibitions of this kind there is always 
something new at every step, and no two shows are alike ; this with the 
interest displayed by the amateur and gardener, who can compete for every 
prize on equal terms with the large grower, imparts the greatest popular 
interest appreciation and enthusiasm. 

One of the chief attractions at these early shows, is the lack oi that 
monotony so common at floral exhibitions held at a later date ; vases, hang- 
ing baskets, festoons. of wild flowers and vines, intermingle with the various 
exhibits in an ever-changing, yet pleasing, manner ; while, here and there, 
groups of large decorative plants break the outline, and the visitors behold 
a charmingly distinct view at every turn. 

The new society realized the necessity of holding these early and popular 
.shows, and next September (1896) propose to give such a comprehensive 
show as was never seen before. Skilled decorators will have charge of the 
exhibition hall, and everything will be gracefully and artistically arranged to 
give the most pleasing effect. Many new departures will be made in the 
manner of exhibiting, while the prize list will be so arranged as to give 
amateurs an equal chance with florists and growers, also with the view of 
giving a beautiful, novel, and entirely distinct exhibition. 



44 THE DAHLIA. 

At the first regular stated annual meeting of the American Dahlia So- 
ciety, held in Philadelphia, on October 9, 1895, the following officers were 
elected for the ensuing 3-ear : Robert Kift, Philadelphia, Prcside7i( ; Henry F. 
Michell, Philadelphia, Vice-President ; I,awrence K. Peacock, Atco, N. J., 
Secretary ; E. Clifton Ta3dor, Germantown, Philadelphia, Assistatit Secre- 
tary ; Frank C. Bruton, Philadelphia, Treasurer ; A. Blanc, Philadelphia, 
Chair7nan Executive Coi}imittee. 

The Society is National in its scope, and is receiving the earnest support 
of both amateurs and professionals. The Executive Committee represents 
three btates, — Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, while the member- 
ship extends as far east as Massachusetts, as far west as Colorado, and south 
as far as Texas. The society is also a popular one, and not devoted to any 
one class, but to the interest of every class ; and the only qualification needed 
is an interest in floriculture ; every amateur, gardener, seedsman, nursery- 
man and florist are cordially invited to membership. 

Every floral community should be represented in the society, as one of 
its chief objects is to assist and further, in every way possible, the holding 
of floral exhibitions throughout the country. That everj^ one interested in 
flowers might become members, the annual membership fee was placed at 
one dollar, which can be sent to the Secretary, Lawrence K. Peacock, 
Atco, N. J., who will, also, cheerfully give any further information relating 
to the society or its exhibitions. 

A society organized on such broad principles as the American Dahlia 
Society is worthy of the liberal support of every admirer of beautiful flowers. 
It has risen above any one flower by advocating an exhibition of all, and 
only adopted its name because the Dahlia, being the only flower qualified in 
every way to fill the space between roses and chr3-santhemums, is the best as 
a nucleus for popular summer and autumn shows, where millionaire, working- 
man and florist can compete for the same prizes, with equal chances of success ; 
where greenhouses are unnecessar5^ and victory follows in the footsteps of the 
skillful. 



THE DAHLIA. 



45 



CHAPTER XI. 




SELECT LIST OF VARIETIES. 

N the following pages will be found the \^ery cream of all the 
new and standard varieties, carefully selected from the man}' 
hundreds of varieties now in cultivation. The varieties 
named in each class represent a complete range of colors and 
forms, and each are the best of their particular color and type. 
To avoid confusion it was thought advisable to group the va- 
rieties, in the following list, according to the present prac- 
tice in the American catalogues. This will, undoubtedly, be appreciated 
by amateurs and others who are not familiar with the various sections, and 
it will be l)oth interesting and instructive for them to classify their collections, 
which they can readily do, by referring to the Chapter on Classification (page 
12) ; while of course, those well acquainted with Dahlias would know at 
once to which section each variety belonged. 

DECORATIVE CACTUS DAHLIAS. 

Asia.--A beautiful, delicate peach pink. Flowers are large and distinct ; an early and 
free bloomer, excellent for cutting. 

Baron Schroeder. — An entirely distinct Cactus variety, of large size and great substance. 
The petals are beautifully arranged and of a rich, glowing imperial purple. 

Beauty of Arundel. — A sport from and similar to Juarezii in form, but of a glowing 
crimson, shading toward the dps to a bright, rosy purple. 

Beauty of Brentwood. — The flowers are of good size, fine form and a distinct shade 
of purplish magenta. 

Beauty of Wilts. — Soft, rich tena-cotta, shaded red ; the flowers are of medium size, 
with long, twisted petals. 

Bertha Mawley.— A distinct and pleasing variety, with long, spiral petals, tapering to 
a point ; the flowers are large and of a rich cochineal color. 

Black Prince.— Of perfect form, dwarf and compact habit ; color an intense velvety 
maroon, almost black. One of the best. 

Blanche Keith. — A beautiful pure yellow, with long, twisted petals. A dwarf, com- 
pact plant and profuse bloomer. 

Blushing Bride. — Soft, delicate rose, of large size and beautiful form. 

Bronze Cactus. — A very strong grower, early and profuse bloomer. Flowers large, 
buff yellow, overlaid reddish bronze, tipped red. 

Clifford W. Bruton. -This superb new variety is acknowledged, by all who have seen 
it, to be the finest yellow Cactus Dahlia ever produced, and is the greatest acqui- 
sition since Nymphaea. It is a \ ery strong, sturdy grower, and an extremely 



46 THE DAHLIA. 

profuse bloomer for so large a flower. The flowers are large, five to six inches 
in diameter, perfectly full to the center, while the outer petals refle.x to the stem. 
The color is a solid pure yellow, the clearest, richest shade I ever saw. Unlike 
many other varieties, there is no green center at any time, even when the buds 
are just expanchng. The flowers are borne on long stems and are invaluable 
for cutting or exhibition purposes. (See illustration, page 37.) 

Constancy. — Of perfect form, a rich reddish orange, sometimes shaded bronze and 
tipped white ; beautiful, distinct and profuse. 

Countess of Pembroke. — A distinct and pleasing lilac ; the base of each petal is sea- 
green, forming a beautiful combination. 

Countess of Radnor.- — A beautiful, free blooming variety, in color a combination of 
shades of orange, yellow and bronze. 

Dawn. — (^uite a distinct and striking variety ; of large size, good form, and having the 
appearance of burnished copper. 

Delicata. — In individual flowers this is my favorite. The petals are long, narrow, 
twisted and of such a soft, delicate yellow, overlaid with delicate pink, as to 
suggest and merit the name. While a great favorite, candor forces me to admit 
it is a weak grower and needs high culture. 

Duke of Clarence. — Of large size ; deep crimson maroon, suffused scarlet toward the 
the tips of the petals ; fine form. 

Earl of Pembroke. — A pleasing variety, with long, beautifully arranged petals ; color 
a bright plum, becoming richer toward the center. 

Electric. — Glowing crimson scarlet, profuse ; excellent for massing. 

Empress of India. — Of medium size, fine form ; profuse. Color a deep crimson 
magenta, shaded maroon. 

Ernest Cannell. — Flowers large, good form ; a distinct shade of red, deepening toward 
the center. 

Ernest Glasse. — A rich, purplish magenta, of good form, with long, twisted petals. 

Evadne. — A lovely free blooming variety, of beautiful form ; soft, rich primrose yellow, 
tipped creamy white, sometimes tinged delicate pink. 

Glare of the Garden (Fire King). — Rich, dazzling red ; constantly a mass of bloom. 
Flowers not always perfect, but excellent for massing. 

Gloriosa. — Of medium size, with long, narrow, twisted petals ; of perfect form and rich, 
velvety crimson color. 

Grand Duke Alexis, — A grand flower, at once both beautiful and unique, as the 
petals are rolled up so that the edges overlap each other. Pure white, shaded 
pink. 

Harmony. — Of beautiful cactus shape, the color is yellowish bronze, shading to a red- 
dish bronze toward the outer petals. 

Harry Freeman. — Pure, glistening, snow white ; it is of medium size, good form and 
substance and borne on long stems. 

Henry F. Michell. —Of largest size and great substance. It is impossible to describe 
the shades and colors, which range from soft yellow to deep orange red ; it is a 
beautiful variety, the shades and tints blending with perfect harmony. The 
petals are very large, broad, pointed and beautifully arranged. 

Henry Patrick. — Pure white, full and perfect ; one of the best. 




Tvi'Es OF Decorative Cactus Dahlias. 

Princess Harry. Oban. Mrs. E. C. Monroe. 

Marchioness of Bute. 

Oriental. Nympha;a. True Model. 



48 THE DAHLIA. 

John Bragg. — Black velvety maroon, the richest of its color. 

Juarezii. — The original Cactus Dahlia from which the class was produced. Intense 
scarlet, long, narrow, twisted petals. 

Kenerith. — Of good furm, large and free ; bright vermilion. 

Lady Penzance. — Rich deep yellow, of perfect form, good size, and a remarkably 
free bloomer. 

Lady Montague. — Rich bright salmon; beautiful and eftective. 

King of Cactus. — Very large full flat flowers ; rosy crimson magenta ; a strong vigo- 
rous grower. 

Lemon Giant (New Weeping Dahlia). — Of largest size, 6 to 7 inches in diameter ; 
perfectly full, of a clear lemon yellow. The flowers are borne in clusters of two 
to four, on long stems that gradually become slenderer as they approach the 
flowers, causing them to droop most gracefully. 

Lyndhurst. — Deep glowing scarlet; of perfect form and one of the best. 

Maid of Kent. — Crimson shading to cherry red, tipped white. 

Marchioness of Bute. — A lovely variety; pure white heavily tipped bright rosy pink. 
The first flowers are much darker. 

Malay. — Flowers of fine form and full ; maroon black, striped purple. 

Matchless. — Very large, rich velvety maroon; petals long and twisted. 

May Pictor. — Soft yellow, of medium size and long twisted petals. 

Minerva. — A distinct and pleasing variety; of large size with broad petals cleft almost 
to the base, resembling a fine petaled chrysanthemum. Color soft yellow, over- 
laid soft red pink, shading to bright reddish purple. 

Miss Barry. — Deep rosy lake ; distinct and striking. 

Miss Jennings. — Large, full and distinct; a beautiful combination of shades of yellow, 
salmon and pink; strong and profuse. 

Miss Merridew. — Very large flat flowers ; soft rosy crimson ; free and full. A very 
pleasing variety. 

Mrs. A. W. Tait. — Pure white ; cleft petals, resembles a chrysanthemum. 

Mrs. E. C. Monroe.— A lovely shade of sulphur yellow ; large flat flowers of perfect 
form; a strong grower and very profuse bloomer. 

Mrs. Francis Fell. — A beautiful and distinct snow-white Cactus Dahlia, of large 
size and pleasing form. The flowers are flat, while the petals are long, narrow, 
slightly twisted, with revolute margins, causing them to taper toward the tips. 

Mrs. Geo. Reed, — One of the best of this class ; pure white, beautifully edged and 
flaked rosy lake. The petals, which are numerous and overlap each other, are 
deeply cleft, giving it a novel fringed appearance. 

Mrs. Hawkins. — One of the most beautiful of the Cactus varieties and a general 
favorite everywhere ; the flowers are large, perfectly formed and of a rich soft 
sulphur, beautifully shaded toward the tips and margin of the petals. 

Mrs. J, Douglass, — A new and distinct shade ; flowers are a rich pinkish salmon. 

Mrs. John Arnold. — A pleasing shade of rose pink, of good form and profuse. 

Mrs. Peart. — This is the new Cactus variety that has created so much comment. 
The flowers are pure white shaded soft yellow at the base of petals, of peculiar 
form and medium size; the petals roll backward, the edges overlapping each 
other, giving them a distinctly unique appearance. The plant proves a moderate 



THE DAHLIA. 49 

or indifferent grower in America and needs good culture. A very pretty flower, 
but not always perfectly full to the centre. 

Mrs. Vince. — A lovely variety and a great favorite on account of its delicate shades. 
The flowers are large, with slightly quilled petals ; color a beautiful silverv rose, 
slightly suffused magenta at base of petal. 

Nymphsea (The Pink Water Lily Dahlia). — This variety, all things considered, is 
the finest in the entire list. The plant is a very strong, sturdy grower, while the 
flowers, which are always full to the center, are produced in endless quantities 
on long stems well supplied with buds and foliage ; the color is a soft, delicate, 
light shrimp pink, shading slightly darker toward the outer petals, while the 
flowers are of large size, perfect form and of most exquisite finish, being soft, 
waxy, delicate and graceful. This variety is more extensively grown for florists' 
cut flowers than any other, and under favorable conditions has a delicate, re- 
fined Water Lily fragrance ; this odor, together with its striking resemblance to 
the ideal pink Water Lily, suggested the appropriate name of Nymphaa. 
Nymphiea is not only entirely distinct from " Delicata " in color, but the form 
of both flower and petal in each variety represent extremely opposite types. 

Oban. — A beautiful variety of large size, perfect form and an entirely distinct color, 
being a rosy lavender, overlaid delicate silvery fawn. 

Orange Scarlet. — A very dwarf decorative variety of an intense orange scarlet color ; 
the flowers are perfectly full to the center, while the petals are cupped or incurved, 
an unusual form in the Dahlia ; the foliage is heavy, of great substance and of 
a very dark green color. 

Oriental. — Large, rich pale salmon, of fine form and perfectly double ; the petals are 
broad, regular and of exquisite glossy finish ; plant a strong, vigorous grower. 

Panthia. — While not always full to the center, a favorite on account of its lovely 
form and distinct, striking shade of rich reddish salmon. 

Prof. Baldwin. — Bright orange flowers of striking form ; the petals are beautifully 
twisted at the tips, which gives it a peculiar and pleasing appearance. 

Princess Harry. — One of the richest and loveliest of this beautiful section, and one 
that will undoubtedly become a great favorite ; the flowers are full to the center, 
of perfect form, with broad petals artistically cleft, and bound with a rich yellow 
silken-like cord ; at the base of the cleft this cord extends upward, giving it a 
beautiful spiked appearance. The color is a rich cream, shading to soft prim- 
rose yellow at the base of petals, while sometimes lightly tinted pink ; the flowers 
are soft, waxy and of exquisite finish. 

Rayon d'Or. — Bright orange, with a conspicuous band of white running through each 
petal. 

Red and Black. — An entirely distinct combination; deep wine red, hea\ily margined 
with deep black maroon ; flowers are of good size and fine form ; petals regular 
and somewhat cupped shaped ; the foliage is very dark green, edged purplish 
maroon and beautifully serated. 

Robert Cannell. — Rich magenta with a bluish tinge toward the tips of the petals. 

Sidney HollingS. — Large, deep maroon, shading to black ; good form ; a profuse 
bloomer. 



50 THE DAHLIA. 

Sunlig'ht. — Very large, soft pale lemon ; of perfect form, clear, deep and full, outer 
petals reflexed ; a very strong grower and profuse bloomer. 

True Model. — In form this is perfection, the petals are perfectly even, regular and 
symmetrical ; color buff, overlaid and suffused reddish bronze. 

Unique. — Center puie yellow, shaded old gold, tipped and margined rose and shades 
of blue, giving it a glistening bluish bronze appearance. 

Wm. Agnew. — The grandest red Cactus Dahlia ever produced, and one that will 
eventually find its way into every collection. The ilowers are of largest size, 
sometimes measuring more than 7 inches in diameter, always full to the center ; 
of perfect form and of exquisite quality and finish, while the color is the richest 
shade of intense dazzling red. The petals are very long, the outer rows being 
beautifully twisted ; the plant is a strong symmetrical grower, and, owing to per- 
fect habit, will be especially valuable for specimen plants. 

W. T. Abery. — Semi-double, white margined and striped bright cherry red. This is 
the seed parent of American Flag. 

DOUBLE LARGE FLOWERING OR SHOW DAHLIAS 

Including Show, Fancy and Large Flowering Dwaif varieties. 

A. D, Livoni. — I5eautiful soft jiink, with tiuilled petals and full to the center ; an early 

and profuse bloomer, and valuable for all purposes ; height about 3 feet. 
American Flag. — (hound color snow-white, heavily bordered brilliant cherry red, 

sometimes a central stripe of same color ; distinct and pleasing. 
Arabella. — An early and profuse flowering variety, of large size and perfect form ; color 

pale primrose tipped and shaded old rose and lavender. One of the loxliest of 

this section. 
Armorer, — Deep red ; of fine form, dwarf, and a ]jrofuse bloomer. 
Beauty. — Snow-white, of perfect form and good texture ; one of the very finest whites 

and valuable for all purposes. 
Bird of Passage. — White, faintly suffused and heavily ti])ped red pink.* 
Blumenfalter. — Rosy lavender ; flowers medium sized, densely quilled ; an excellent 

variety for bedding. 
Buff Pink. — Clear buft", heavily tipped pink and edged royal purple. 
Chorister. — Fawn striped crimson and rose ; a pretty combination. 
Colibri. — Deep scarlet ; shows green center ; profuse ; valuable for bedding. 
Comedian. — Rich orange, striped and flaked crimson, tipped white. 
Countess. — Pinkish white, tipped and shaded lavender and rosy lake. 
Country Lad.^Large rich sulphur yellow, tipped pink, edged darker ; dwarl and pro- 
fuse ; a beautiful variety and invaluable for bedding. 
Crimson Ball. — Perfect form, bright crimson purple ; one of the best. 
Crimson Giant. — "\'ery large, deep crimson richly shaded ; vigorous and profuse, 

sometimes growing 6 to 8 feet high and a mass of flowers. 
Dandy. — A peculiar and pleasing variety ; pink striped and penciled with black, 

though sometimes solid black and occasionally solid pink. 
Dazzler. — Deep rich yellow, flaked and striped with bright scarlet ; beautiful and 

effective. 



THE DAHLIA. 5 1 

Diadem, — Deep rich crimson, of good substance and a constant liloomer. 

Duchess of Cambridge. — A beautiful variety, of large size and perfect form ; white 

suffused pink, tipped and edged shades of purple. 
Emily. — Very large, bluish blush ; of large size, perfect form and full to the center ; 

one of the best. 
Ethel. — 1-arge, rich yellow ; sometimes tipped and flaked white. 
Fanny Purchase. — A favorite pure yellow variety ; large and fine. 
Fascination. — harge, white suffused and tipped pink and lavender ; llowers borne in 

the greatest profusion on long stiff stems. 
Fern Leaf Beauty. — A new and distinct variety, with fernlike foliage and of dwarf 

branching habit; color creamy white, with a distinct margin of dark crimson 

around each petal. 
Frank Goodman. — A grand show variety of large size and ]:)erfect form ; color a rich 

bright pur|)le. 
Frank Smith. — One of the best of the fancy type and a general favorite ; color a rich 

dark purplish maroon, tipped pinkish white ; as the two colors meet they blend 

into each other most beautifully, making a lovely combination of shades and 

tints. The flowers are of medium to large size and perfect form, while the plant 

is a vigorous grower and blooms early and continuously until killed by frost 
Gloire de Lyon. — A pure white of good form and substance. 
Glowing Coal. — Rich glowing crimson scarlet ; while not a profuse bloomer it will more 

than make amend in the quality and color of (lowers produced. 
Golden Ball. — Pure deep yellow, sometimes tinted pink and shaded old gold ; large, 

])erfectly double, strong dwarf grower and profuse bloomer. 
Golden Bedder. — Golden yellow, tipped pinkish red ; always a mass of flowers ; grows 

l)ut 2 feet high and is one of the best for beciding. 
Hercules. — Large, pure yellow, striped red ; a beautiful and eflective variety, and the 

largest and best of this type. 
Honest John. — A beautiful and distinctly unique variety ; brilliant purjile maroon, 

richly shaded ; sometimes mottled with deep velvety black petals. 
James Vick. — Intense purple maroon ; full and symmetrical. 
John Keynes. — Large and full ; peculiar orange scarlet, base of petals yellow ; dwarf 

and effective. 
John Sladden. — Of perfect form, large, dark maroon, almost black ; a very strong 

grower and the best dark variety. 
Juniata. — Deep, rich yellow, suffused, margined and tipped bright red; dwarf, com- 
pact in habit ; of lovely form, free and constant. 
Kaiser Wilhelm. — One of the finest of this section ; of large size, fine form and finish ; 

yeilow tipped and shaded cherry red. 
Lucy Fawcett. — Very large, pale straw, striped and penciled rosy magenta ; constantly 

a mass of perfect fiowers ; one of the best. 
Miss Florence Shearer. — Very beautiful clear soft lilac, of exquisite finish ; perfectly 

double, dwarf and a profuse bloomer ; the best of its color. 
Miss May Lomas. — One of the grandest varieties in the entire list ; the plant is a 

strong, vigorous grower and is constantly covered with the large perfect shaped 

flowers. The form is entirely distinct, having immense shell-like petals of most 




Types of Show and Fancy Dahlias. 

Uncertainty. 

Beauty. Frank Smith. 

Souv. de Mad. Moreau. 

John Sladden. Arabella. 

A. D. Livona. 



THE DAHLIA. 53 

exquisite finish, while the color is charmingly lovely, being pure white, delicately 
suffused soft rosy lavender, a most unusual shade. (See illustration, page 30.) 

Magnificent. — Entrancingly lovely, clear yellow, very delicately tinged and edged soft 
pink ; the flowers are regular, being a perfect model in form ; very dwarf and a 
very profuse bloomer ; the best of all bedders. 

Marg. Bruant. — Pure white, good form, dwarf and profuse. 

Mercedes. — A beautiful variety, silvery white at base of petals, blending into a rosy 
lilac. 

Marguerite. — Rosy lilac of fine form, a free and constant l^loomer ; flowers borne on 
long stems ; excelled for cutting. 

Meteor. — Very large, brilliant deep red ; a very strong vigorous grower. 

Miss Browning. — Rich clear yellow, tipped white ; a general favorite. 

Miss Valentine. — Large, bright lavender i)ink, full and regular ; a superb tlower. 

Miss S. Blanc Pennybaker. — A surpassingly lovely variety and one that always 
attracts marked attention. The tlowers are of perfect form, good substance and 
exquisite finish ; the center petals are silvery white delicately tinged soft bright 
pink, while the outer petals are of same color, heaxy tipped bright rosy led pink. 

Mrs. Cannel. -Buff yellow, edged bright cherry red. 

Mrs. Langtry.^Cream color, tipped red pink, edged purplish crimson. 

Mrs. Chas. Noyer. — A beautiful flower, of a pleasing light fawn coloi-. 

Mrs. Dexter. — \'ery large, fine form ; a beautiful shade of salmon ; a tall, vigorous 
grower, and valuable for back rows. 

Mrs. Gladstone. — One of the grandest of all show varieties ; of exquisite form, delicate 
soft pink color, a free and constant bloomer, a favorite exhibition tlower. 

Nellie Bly. — Pure white, penciled and spotted carmine, distinct ; certainly a loveK 
variety, but sometimes shows small center. 

Nero. — Deep crimson maroon, richly shaded. 

Pelican. — Large, pure white, distinctly striped purple. 

Penelope. — Pure white, beautifully flaked lavender, beautiful form ; invaluable for cut- 
ting and decorations. 

Pluton. — The finest of all yellow show Dahlias ; very large, of perfect form and a pure, 
clear yellow color ; a strong grower, free and constant. 

President. — White, suffused rosy lavender, shaded darker, fine. 

Princess Bonnie. — Rich creamy white, shaded lemon yellow at base of petal. A 
beautiful variety and a free and constant bloomer. 

Prince Bismarck. — Very large and full, deep purple, fine. 

Priscilla. — A lovely quilled variety ; yellow, tipped orange scarlet, sometimes deep 
scarlet ; reflex rich pale buft", making a lovely variegation. 

Purity. — An improvement on all pure whites up to date ; dwarf and profuse. 

Rev. C. W. Bolton. — ^Large, salmon buff, penciled and spotted deep rich crimson ; a 
distinct and pleasing variety (see illustration, page 9). 

Ruby ftueen. — A beaudful variety, resembling an American Beauty rose when fully ex- 
panded ; clear ruby red, richly shaded ; early and profuse bloomer. 

Ruth. — Large, creamy white, sometimes tinted pink ; perfect form ; the plant is a 
dwarf shrubby grower of branching habit and is continually covered with 
flowers. 



54 THE DAHLIA. 

Souv. de Mad. Moreau. — Of immense size and deep red pink color ; of perfect form, 
and one of the best for general cultivation or for cutting. 

Sport. — A sport from Penelope, and of same form ; bright rosy lavender. 

Triomphe de Solfereno. — Intense solfereno, of immense size, dwarf and compact ; 
the best of its class, and invaluable for bedding. 

Uncertainty. — -Pinkish white, mottled and variegated carmine and crimson maroon. 

Village Maid. — Soft primrose yellow, blended, penciled and suffused soft pink and 
rosy carmine ; one of the loveliest of all Dahlias. 

Zephyr. — Fawn, tipped peach and edged deeper color, and an entirely new combi- 
nation of shades and tints ; a beautiful variety, dwarf and profuse. 

NEW DOUBLE TOM THUMB DAHLIAS. 

Double Tom Thumb. — The tlrst of this section and grows but 12 to 15 inches high ; 

pure golden yellow, tipped and lightly margined red. The flowers are produced 

in endless quantity and last on the plant for weeks. 
Edith Connor. — The outer petals are rosy blush white, the center is a rich rosy red ; 

a lovely variety and grows but i 5 to 18 inches high. 

POMPON OR BOUQUET DAHLIAS. 

Allie Mourey. — Pinkish white tipped deep pink, quilled ; tine form. 

Aillets Imperial. -White suffused pink, tipped imperial purple. 

Alwine. — White edged soft rose ; a beautiful variety of line form. 

Beauty Inconstant. — A profuse bloomer and always perfect form and beautiful, yet 

inconstant in color ; yellow margined red, sometimes white margined yellow, and 

sometimes all three colors are combined in the same tlower. It is entirely dis- 

trnct and one of the loveliest of this beautiful section. 
Catherine. — Pure yellow, of fine form and borne on long stems. 
Crimson Beauty. — Richest crimson, of beautiful form ; the finest of its color. 
Cupid. — White, lipped and suffused rose ; fine. 
Dandy. — Bright crimson purple ; very profuse ; fine bedder. 
Darkness. — \'ery dark maroon ; one of the best of this color. 
Daybreak. ~ Coif r of Daybreak Carnation, occasionally mottled darker; of exquisite 

finish and form ;' of strong dwarf growth, and blooms profusely. 
E. F. Jungker. — A rich shade of amber ; small compact flower. 
Eleanor. — Soft light pink, densely quilled ; very lovely. 
Elfin. — Pale primrose, changing to rich creamy white ; perfect, free. 
Eleganta. — A superb variety ; soft pink, tipped deep pink, reflex light pink, making a 

lovely combination of shades ; a constant bloomer and beautifully quilled. 
Fairy Queen, — Light sulphur yellow, edged deep peach ; beautiful flowers of perfect 

form and produced on long stems ; excellent for cutting. 
Fairy Tales. — Delicate primrose, fine shape ; very free and early bloomer. 
Fashion, — A very pleasing and effective shade of orange. 
lolanthe. — Orange shaded buff and salmon, fringed petals ; peculiar. 
Iseult. — The smallest of all Dahlias ; pure, clear yellow. 



THE DAHLIA. 55 

Juliette. — Yellow shaded orange and scarlet ; tine shape, beautiful. 

Klein Domatia. — Rich orange buff, tiowers of beautiful compact form. 

Le Petit Jean. — Dark, orange crimson maroon ; perfect ball shape, profuse ; flow crs 

borne on long stems ; invaluable for cutting. 
Little Bessie. — Densely quilled, creamy white ; perfect ball shape and constant. 
Little Cactus. — Beautiful light salmon ; really a pompon cactus of fine form. 
Little Diavola. — Beautifully quilled, base of petals light pink, tipped black velvety 

maroon, with a distinct green shade ; reflex light purple. 
Little Prince. — Red tipped flesh, mottled dark crimson ; of perfect shape and an earl) 

and profuse bloomer. 
Loveliness. — White suffused pink, tipped ami edged pink and lavender. 
Little Valentine. — Beautiful compact shape, rich dark purple. 

Miss Lou Kramer. — Base of petals yellow, heavily tipped clear bright crimson, oxer- 
laid pink ; quilled, reflex fawn ; a pleasing variety. 
Mig"non. — Very dark rich crimson scarlet ; small, of fine form. 
Prince Charming'. — White, penciled suffused and heavily tipjjed purple pink. 
Raphael. — \'ery fine, maroon crimson ; one of the best. 
Red Piper. — Dark red of a peculiar rich shade, good shape. 
Rudolph Kuhl. — Rich crimson maroon, tipped white ; a dwarf, strong grower, of 

branching habit, and constantly a mass of blooms. 
Sappho. — Dark velvety maroon, tipped rich pink-flesh ; petals beautifully fringed. 
Snowclad. — The grandest of all white pompons ; pure snow-white, of perfect form, and 

such a profuse bloomer as to suggest the name. Should be in every collection. 
Sprig. — A beautiful variety that received marked attention everywhere during the past 

year ; it is beautifully quilled, of perfect form and full to the centre. The color 

is a rich buft' yellow, beautifully shaded and tipped bright impeiial ])urple. 
Stella. — A great improvement on Guiding Star, being larger, stronger and always full 

to the centre, but in every other way similar to that variety. 
Sunshine. — One of the best scarlet pompons ever raised ; of perfect shape, fine form, 

good habit and a very free bloomer. 
Tommy Keith. — Cardinal red, tipped white; dwarf, good shape and free. 
Virginale. — Small, ball shape, creamy white color ; a very fine variety, of strong 

growth and blooms profusely. 
Vivid. — Intense vivid scarlet; good form, free and constant. 
Whisper. — Clear yellow, edged with gold ; blooms continuously. 

SINGLE DAHLIAS. 

Ami Barillet. — Scarlet crimson fiowers ; deep purplish maroon foliage. 

Amos Perry. — A very fine refiexed rtower ; velvety maroon, sometimes lighter. 

Annie Fell. — Rich maroon, with a band of rose pink encircling disk. 

Butterfly. — Orange red, with gold blotch on tip of each petal. 

Cetewayo. — Beautifully reflexed, rich blackish maroon. 

Corrinne. — I'ure yellow, striped crimson scarlet ; beautiful and regular. 

Duchess of Fife. — Bright clear amber, heavily bordered reddish orange. 

Duchess of Westminster. — Pure white, broad overlapping petals. 



56 THE DAHLIA. 

Eclipse. — Rosy mauve and salmon ; rich crimson band encircling disk. 

Ellen Terry. — Bright pink, beautifully reflexed ; one of the best. 

Fern Leaf. — Orange scarlet, suffused violet ; fernlike foliage. 

Harold. — Black velvety maroon, fringed petals ; distinct. 

Hig'hland Chief. — Large, bright salmon pink, shaded yellow at base of petals. 

Isaac Pitman. — Large, of fine form ; lilac, striped crimson maroon. 

Kate. — Bright rich orange maroon ; high colored and effective. 

Kathleen. — Rich satiny white, delicately suffused soft pink. 

Lucy Ireland. — Beautifully reflexed, rich magenta, suffused crimson. 

Mrs. L. C. Bassett. — A lovely variety, striped orange maroon and lilac. 

Maude. — I^ure white, each petal beautifully margined maroon. 

Miss Ramsbottom. — Of perfect form, a lovely pink, richly shaded. 

Nance. — A most pleasing shade of mauve, perfect form ; desirable. 

Nellie. — Intense crimson maroon ; broad golden zone encircling disk. 

Northern Star. — Bright red ; each petal margined golden yellow. 

Paragon. — Soft deep maroon ; edged bright purplish maroon. 

Sandusky. — A soft pleasing shade of salmon ; fine shape. 

Snow Queen. — Pure white ;■ strong and vigorous grower. 

Titan. — Immense size, orange scarlet ; of great substance and fme form. 

Yellow Gem. — A very pleasing pure yellow ; of dwarf branching habit. 

SINGLE CACTUS DAHLIAS. 

Althea. — Rich glowing crimson ; a beautiful variety, with long, twisted petals. 

Fair Maid. — Large, pale flesh deepening to rose at tips of petals. 

Guy Mannering. — Creamy white, shaded sulphur ; long, twisted petals. 

Highland Mary. — Large, clear cardinal red ; petals uniquely twisted. 

Ivanhoe. — Bright rose ; with crimson band around the disk. 

LucyAshton. — White ; petals broad, twisted at the points and slightly incurved. 

Maid of Bute. — -Soft rose color ; long, fiat petals twisted at the points. 

Meg. Merrilies. — Beautiful clear yellow ; petals slightly incurved, large and twisted. 

Rob Roy. — Purple, beautifully tinged violet ; petals twisted very gracefully. 

Victoria. — A lovely pure white flower with yellow disk ; long, pointed petals, 

SINGLE TOM THUMB DAHLIAS. 

Bantam. — Dark scarlet ; plant very bushy, only 12 inches high. 

Bo Peep. — Deep maroon ; dark ring encircling center. 

Booties. — Color a rich velvety red ; very dwarf, strong and bushy. 

Hoop-la. — Deep velvety maroon ; yellow ring around center. 

Irene. — The loveliest of all ; dehcate rose, penciled pinkish crimson. 

Lilliput. — Bright scarlet, lined orange ; petals somewhat pointed. 

Mignon. — Bright pink ; white zone encircling center. 

Miniature. — Clear bright yellow ; very dwarf and bushy. 

Miss Grace. — A most pleasing and eft'ective light orange. 

Pearl. — Deep Mauve ; well formed, distinct and effective. 



> > :^ 



'^'i 


■gUp^ 


^:3 
> 


Sgj^p 


P 



'■■•■»:. 






> > j» > 



>:j»> 



J5*^ > 

» > > 



-* ^ 


>) 


> 


jii^> 


> > 


>:> 


> 


-Tm-^ 


> > 


^j 


^ j> 




> . > 


^-j ~ 


j» 


.^BB^S^ '^ 


» > 


^5 - 


> 


"jtiigi^ ^ J 


> > 

► > > 


^*-> 
^ 


> 


^:* 






>s> > 









y> 


>^-» 


}? 


>Jifc :>> 


x» 


D :» ■D»> 


y> 


^ ^- ^' 


T) 


>>:3i:-*> 


'» 


*> ^ .*' 


^ 


-s> ^.^»^ 


■iS» 


i» !S»5^«>> 


5> 


"IS* 3^';>> 


:k> 


j» :*»^>^ 


^» 


_-3& ^SK'' ^ 


)s» 


:m» "^.- 


■JoT . 


*3Ks T«» 


35 


:» 3e 



- > > .«?^ '- 

> > ^> > :^ 



> > >• 

> ■> > >. 

> > -» > 

> "» >> 



» 



> > >> ";> > > 

:> >>- > >> 






='^ > > > 



» > > 















'^5^"^ ..^^> "=^^ 









» 11 



S '^ 

- ^ 






?:• /# 






> '1^3^ 



5 5$ 












> »• ' > J 

>■">>■ > '. 



>> > > --^ 















■' >'-»■ > ->^ > >> 
> > :> >> > >■. 






?-.^w 



•^ V 









5>^ » : 






^ > » ■->: 
^ L» :)£> 'I* 



yo»- . 



'y-y m 
1S> ■*.> 



























X > : 

i y y 












>^^ 3> 






4 ^^^,:^? ; 












y > 

^ yy> 






